Plan A Visit

The Interpretive Center is currently open on Saturdays and Sundays 10:00am to 5:00pm and Tuesdays through Fridays by appointment only.

The trail is open each day from sunrise to sunset! Here is a handy checklist for a comfortable trail experience during one of our many naturalist-led programs or on a self-guided hike along the Bay Trail:

Wear layered clothing. The weather can be chilly and breezy at the shoreline, especially in the afternoon, so a sweatshirt, windbreaker, and hat can really help deter you from being distracted by the cold.

Wear sturdy shoes. Although the terrain is flat with little elevation, you can slip if not wearing appropriate footwear as the trails are made of dirt and pebbles.

Put on sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, sunburns can happen out here, especially because there are no trees to provide shade.

Do not bring your dog to this section of trail. Because of the many endangered plants and animals that call this habitat home, dogs are not allowed on the trail between the Interpretive Center and the West Winton Ave. trailhead.

Bring a lightweight pack to hold a water bottle, snack, binoculars, sketchpad or journal. There are limited trash receptacles on the trails so plan on taking your trash out with you.

Be aware that there are no water fountains (with the exception of the Interpretive Center) and only 3 port-o-potties at the shoreline, which include the Interpretive Center, the West Winton trailhead and the bridge near the Grant Ave. trailhead.

Plan to make a stop at the Interpretive Center open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am till 5:00pm and take advantage of what’s available inside:

Restrooms

Water fountains to refill water bottles

Limited selection of snacks and drinks for sale

Trail maps

Bird checklists

Our store, which stocks items such as bird guides, HSIC merchandise, and children's books about wetlands

Binoculars to borrow

Discovery Packs to borrow that include a variety of scientific tools a family can use to further explore the salt marsh

Naturalists who are available to answer questions and make suggestions of things to do at the Hayward Shoreline